SOUND JUDGEMENT

THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED

CHRIS KAMARA – HERE’S TO CHRISTMAS

★★★★★ PUT away your ideas of tacky, comedy and general seasonal tack. Pick up your lounge suit, Rat Pack longings and chilled out vibes. Chris Kamara has delivered a smooth, big band swing album that is pure class – and sounds, just like Kammy! And it works.

You will fight singing along to the classics Winter Wonderland, It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, Frosty The Snowman and (the one track I was rather sceptical about) Santa Baby – I had no reason to be, it was just sublime.

It’s over far too soon! Lay down your misgivings and pick up your mulled wine and listen to the Christmas album you never knew you needed.

TINDERSTICKS –

NO TREASURE BUT HOPE

★★★★★

ALL the classic Tindersticks elements are present and correct, led by Stuart Staples’ rumbling baritone, with delicate piano, strings and brass.

It’s not exactly party music, more an accompaniment to drinking whisky after midnight in a secondhand suit while the rain lashes against the window.

You could argue Tindersticks haven’t changed much, but I don’t want to hear their new drill direction, or their Jazz Odyssey. This is timeless music, not nostalgia, with Take Care In Your Dreams and the title track up there with their best.

FALL OUT BOY – BELIEVERS NEVER DIE VOLUME 2

★★★★★ THE latest greatest hits album from Fall Out Boy is a brilliant taster with something to satisfy both dedicated or casual listeners.

The 13-track compilation shows the band’s growth and the result is a cohesive album that proudly displays the wide-ranging talents of the once pigeonholed group. Opening strongly with the iconic My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark, Patrick Stump’s passionate vocals set the tone for an enjoyable and well-crafted album.

These highlights are accompanied by two recently released singles and a third new single, Bob Dylan.